Now, just as the British director and Monty Python star finally celebrates the wrap of the shoot on Sunday, he faces a new imbroglio over alleged damage to a 12th century Portuguese heritage site during filming.

Gilliam’s team has been accused of causing irreparable damage to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, lighting a 20-metre bonfire in a cloister, cutting down trees and breaking centuries-old stones during a three week shoot.

On Monday Portuguese officials announced an investigation after a TV news broadcast revealed...